CRR 061/1993Stress research and stress management

Putting theory to work

Over the past two decades, there has been a growing belief in
all sectors of employment and in government that the experience of
stress at work has undesirable consequences for the health and
safety of individuals and for the health of their organizations.
This belief has been reflected both in public and media interest
and in increasing concern voiced by the trade unions, and
professional and scientific bodies. There are three basic questions
that require answering: (1) What is the nature of occupational
stress? (2) Does work stress affect health and if so how? and (3)
How can it be managed effectively? This review addresses these
questions after having briefly examined the difficulties involved
in placing work stress in context of other life stressors.